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Showing posts from July, 2025

Osiris review – Linda Hamilton drops in to rescue charmingly hokey space-horror

The fella-in-a-suit aliens resembling past pop culture beasties are a strength of an entertaining abduction adventure An entertaining-enough space-horror, a mishmash of storylines and character types that sees some special forces commandos abducted by a gang (herd? flock? troop?) of aliens whose intentions are aligned more closely with the likes of the predator than lovely little ET the Extra-Terrestrial. The pop culture off-worlders these beasties most resemble physically, however, are the xenomorphs from James Cameron’s Aliens – and not the massive multi-limbed queen, mind you, but the smaller foot-soldier guys who can be played by a fella in a suit. This fella-in-a-suit aspect is the one of the film’s strengths. You might argue that it hinders the willing suspension of disbelief, because you always know you’re looking at a fella in a suit. But in truth there’s something about the physicality of even the hokiest practical effect that is more enjoyable than all but the most skilfull...

Osiris review – Linda Hamilton drops in to rescue charmingly hokey space-horror

The fella-in-a-suit aliens resembling past pop culture beasties are a strength of an entertaining abduction adventure An entertaining-enough space-horror, a mishmash of storylines and character types that sees some special forces commandos abducted by a gang (herd? flock? troop?) of aliens whose intentions are aligned more closely with the likes of the predator than lovely little ET the Extra-Terrestrial. The pop culture off-worlders these beasties most resemble physically, however, are the xenomorphs from James Cameron’s Aliens – and not the massive multi-limbed queen, mind you, but the smaller foot-soldier guys who can be played by a fella in a suit. This fella-in-a-suit aspect is the one of the film’s strengths. You might argue that it hinders the willing suspension of disbelief, because you always know you’re looking at a fella in a suit. But in truth there’s something about the physicality of even the hokiest practical effect that is more enjoyable than all but the most skilfull...

Farah Khan reveals YouTube show’s success helped Dilip’s kids get quality education; says, “I could put his kids in an English-medium school. And I admitted one to culinary school”

Farah Khan’s cook, Dilip, has become a familiar face to many, thanks to the filmmaker-choreographer’s YouTube vlogs and cooking videos. Gaining considerable popularity, Dilip is now a well-known name. In a recent vlog, Farah Khan shared that, with their YouTube show performing successfully, she has enrolled Dilip’s children in an English-medium school. Additionally, one of his kids is currently attending culinary school, training to become a chef. In her vlog, Farah Khan said, “Because our show is working, I could put his kids in an English-medium school. And I admitted one to culinary school, so she doesn’t have to work in homes—she can work in hotels.” She further added, “Dilip has fed so many people… now karma is feeding him." Dilip, who has three children, now sees all of them receiving skill-based training and English-medium education, thanks to his rise as a YouTube celebrity. However, did you know that Dilip also owns a three-storey bungalow in his hometown, Darbhanga, B...

Subhash Ghai lauds Saiyaara’s success; says, “Big stars don't guarantee big success”

Veteran filmmaker Subhash Ghai has expressed his admiration for the success of Saiyaara, emphasizing the importance of storytelling over star-driven casts. Known for directing iconic films like Pardes and Taal, Ghai shared his thoughts on the changing dynamics of cinema and praised Saiyaara for proving that compelling narratives continue to resonate with audiences. In a social media post shared on Sunday, Ghai commended the film for showcasing how heartfelt storytelling, the fresh pairing of Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, and balanced production values can outperform exaggerated marketing and inflated star salaries. He wrote, “When a new star cast film creates a wave at box office. It sends us a clear msg to investors n producers not to make an over budget film more than a good story needs - not to invest on main actors more than your production cost - no money spend on stars whims - no extra spend on marketing stunts. Audience is surely ready to accept a good heart warming film with r...

‘I am elated each time I watch’: why Rushmore is my feelgood movie

The next in our series of writers drawing attention to their most-watched comfort films is a reminder of Wes Anderson’s idiosyncratic 1998 comedy “Let’s hope it’s got a happy ending,” Herman Blume, played by Bill Murray in one of his best roles, says near the end of Wes Anderson’s 1998 film Rushmore. He makes the remark about an over-the-top, literally pyrotechnic school play that his teenage friend Max Fischer (Jason Schwartzman) has just debuted to an audience of dazed teachers and parents. But his comment stands in for the whole movie, an audacious and risky comedy that should not work, but does. I am elated each time I watch this poignant, wise and wildly funny film – and, yes, there is a happy ending. Rushmore is about children trying to act like adults and adults acting like children. Fischer is a precocious scholarship student at Rushmore, a prestigious private boys’ school. He is the sort of bright but naive young person who tries to impress an adult by telling them, with a s...

Sofonisba’s Chess Game review – pioneering female Renaissance artist gets her due

Documentary analysis of benchmark 16th-century painting is absorbing but focus on a single work misses the chance to reveal an extraordinary life Like its predecessors from the Ideas Roadshow series, this essay film looks like a high-grade PowerPoint presentation but shines because of its exceptional subject: the pioneering female Renaissance artist Sofonisba Anguissola and her psychologically luminous portraiture. The film is centred on this queen’s gambit: her c 1555 portrait of her three sisters and housemaid playing chess, which clocked up numerous firsts. Apart from being the first Renaissance all-female group painting and the first to juxtapose women of different classes, its most groundbreaking accomplishment was depicting real-life – rather than symbolic or idealised – women. Narrated by Elizabeth van Sebelle, the film sticks to basic summaries to relay the context. Born around 1532 into a lapsed aristocratic family from Cremona, as the eldest child Anguissola got a fancy Ca...

Burkitt review – fascinating film intertwines lives of patient and trailblazing surgeon

Director Éanna Mac Cana combines a diary of his cancer treatment with a probing portrait of Irish paediatrician Denis Burkitt who gave his name to the condition In Éanna Mac Cana’s probing documentary, two lives are entwined with fascinating results. The seeds for the film were first planted when Mac Cana was diagnosed with Burkitt’s lymphoma, a rare and aggressive cancer; his diaristic videos capture the loneliness of his treatment, spent within the cold, yellow walls of hospital rooms. Through the lens of his digital camera, he occasionally takes in the distant, blurry sight of tower blocks, or his mother cycling to the clinic. The world outside appears impenetrable; all the while, the film reaches beyond what the eyes can see. Then, turning to the past, Mac Cana juxtaposes his lived experience of illness with the life story of Denis Burkitt, the trailblazing Irish surgeon after whom Mac Cana’s condition was named. From archival materials as well as interviews with experts and Burk...

BREAKING: In a RARE instance, Saiyaara’s Monday morning shows run with strong occupancy in several centres; YRF goes against the norm and opts for Tuesday cheap ticket offer

eet PaddThe Saiyaara wave refuses to die down. Usually, there is a drop in collections on weekdays after a film performs exceptionally well on weekends. But the latest Yash Raj Films (YRF) release is proving to be an exception. As per reports coming from across the country, Saiyaara is all set to put up a huge number on the weekdays. The advance booking for Monday is very strong and what has caught the eye is that YRF has gone against the norm by incorporating the Tuesday offer. Since April, theatres across the country have decided to sell tickets at discounted rates, that is, at Rs. 99/149/199, every Tuesday. Films that tend to do well in Week 1, like Raid 2 and Sitaare Zameen Par, didn’t opt for this offer. But YRF has refused to follow in the footsteps of the Ajay Devgn-starrer and Aamir Khan-starrer. A trade expert commented, “It is a given that Saiyaara’s craze is tremendous and even without the offer, the occupancy on Tuesday would h...

BREAKING: After Son of Sardaar 2 Suneel Darshan shifts release of Andaaz 2 to August 8 amid Saiyaara wave

First Son of Sardar 2, now Andaaz 2 — the Saiyaara snowball effect is reshaping the release calendar in a big way. Following Ajay Devgn’s Son of Sardar 2, which recently postponed its release from July 25 to August 1, filmmaker Suneel Darshan has now pushed his romantic drama Andaaz 2 from August 1 to August 8. Explaining the reason for the shift, Suneel Darshan says, “The unexpected, tumultuous opening of Mohit Suri’s Saiyaara and its anticipated sustained audience interest in the coming weeks have necessitated a reshuffling of release dates. With Son of Sardar 2 now arriving on August 1, I’ve moved Andaaz 2 to August 8.” He further adds, “The decision was also influenced by the paucity of available screens and the complexities of multiplex programming. Andaaz 2 features newcomers and, much like Saiyaara, needs an open week to give it the breathing space and visibility it deserves.” Darshan’s move reflects a growing industry trend where smaller or non-franchise films with fresh tal...

Mamata Banerjee REACTS to “brother” Shah Rukh Khan’s injury during King shoot: “Wish him speedy recovery”

Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan has reportedly sustained a back injury while filming an action sequence for his upcoming film King. The project, helmed by director Siddharth Anand, marks a significant collaboration between the superstar and his daughter, Suhana Khan, who plays the lead role. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee took to social media to express her concern for the actor. Posting on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, July 19, she wrote, “Reports regarding my brother Shah Rukh Khan sustaining muscular injuries during shooting make me worried. Wish him speedy recovery.” Reports regarding my brother Shah Rukh Khan sustaining muscular injuries during shooting make me worried. Wish him speedy recovery. @iamsrk — Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) July 19, 2025 As reported earlier by Bollywood Hungama, Shah Rukh’s injury was first brought to public attention through insider updates on the film’s ongoing schedule. King, one of the most anticipated films currently in product...

Disneyland at 70: artists on the park’s five best rides – and why they still captivate

The California theme park is busier than ever. We asked artists, designers and historians to weigh in on the attractions that stand the test of time A visit to Disneyland can be an exhausting experience. The line for a ride can be hours long; there are hordes of overstimulated children and the sheer quantity of gift shops is overwhelming. When the park first opened, on 17 July 1955, an adult ticket cost $1 and kids were 50 cents: now a single day’s entry for one person can easily run $200 or more. Despite all the kitsch and cartoon capitalism, though, Disneyland still delivers moments of actual magic, and that’s largely due to the inventiveness of its theme park rides. Continue reading... from Film | The Guardian https://ift.tt/amDMdn1 via IFTTT

Vikrant Massey to begin shooting for Sri Sri Ravi Shankar biopic next week; 90 per cent film to be shot in Colombo

Vikrant Massey continues to push the envelope with each project. The actor is now set to take on one of the most challenging roles of his career — portraying global spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in the upcoming biopic White. According to recent reports, a close independent industry source shares, “Vikrant Massey is set to fly out next week to begin shooting for his next project, White, where he steps into the role of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. The film is being mounted on a mega scale and will be shot predominantly in Colombo, nearly 90% of it, with key technicians and experts who’ve previously worked on Narcos.” The movie will be produced under Siddharth Anand's Marflix Pictures and Mahaveer Jain Films, along with Peacecraft Pictures. White is said to chronicle significant milestones from the spiritual leader’s life. From his teachings on peace and global harmony to his efforts in humanitarian work and conflict resolution, the film aims to present a nuanced and inspiring narr...

SCOOP: Shah Rukh Khan injured on the sets of King; advised to take a one-month break from work

Shah Rukh Khan is one of the most hardworking actors in Indian Cinema, who has invested over 30 years of his life in entertaining the audience. With young blood finding him an inspiration icon, the superstar continues to work hard every day. At the age of 60, Shah Rukh Khan was shooting for some intense action sequences at the Golden Tobacco studio in Mumbai, where he met with an accident leading to an injury. “While exact details of the injury have been kept under wraps, Shah Rukh, along with his team, has travelled to the US for urgent medical attention. It’s nothing serious, but more of a muscular injury, as Shah Rukh over the years has injured multiple muscles of his body while performing stunts,” a source told Bollywood Hungama. The source informed that post the surgery, SRK is advised to be advised to take a one-month break from work. “The next schedule of King will now begin in September/October as SRK has been advised to take time off for recovery. On completely recovering fr...

Khushi Kapoor breaks silence on cosmetic procedures; says, “If we don’t do something about our looks then…”

Khushi Kapoor, daughter of the late Sridevi and sister to actress Janhvi Kapoor, recently spoke candidly about her cosmetic enhancements, crediting her honesty with breaking stigma in the glamour industry. In an interview with ETimes, Khushi addressed swirling rumours by stating plainly, “Yes, I have changed my looks. But everyone thinks I have done some 10–20 things on myself. It is obviously not the case. I don’t think going under the knife for your looks is such a big deal.” The actor, who made her debut with The Archies, emphasised the importance of transparency, saying, “For me, it is not okay to be dishonest with people around me about my looks. There are a lot of impressionable youngsters who follow us on the internet.” Khushi went on to point out the impossible expectations women often face, noting, “Plus, if we don't do something about our looks, then it is a problem and people will judge you for your looks, and if we do something for ourselves, feeding your insecuritie...

Rakesh Roshan undergoes neck angioplasty, recovering in Mumbai hospital

Veteran filmmaker and actor Rakesh Roshan, father of Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan, recently underwent a medical procedure for a health issue concerning his neck. The 74-year-old was admitted to Mumbai’s Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital earlier this week, where doctors performed a carotid artery angioplasty — a procedure aimed at restoring proper blood flow to the brain by clearing blocked arteries in the neck. According to hospital sources, the surgery was successful, and Roshan is currently under observation in the recovery unit. A carotid artery angioplasty is often conducted when fatty deposits block the blood vessels that supply blood to the brain and head, increasing the risk of stroke. The procedure involves using a balloon-tipped catheter to widen the artery and improve blood flow, sometimes followed by the placement of a stent to keep the artery open. His daughter Sunaina Roshan confirmed the news and shared an update about his health in a brief conversation with Amar...

First tickets to Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey sell out – a year before its 2026 release

The blockbuster adaptation of Homer’s epic has not finished filming and has no official runtime. But super fans – and scalpers – already have seats The first tickets to Christopher Nolan’s take on Homer’s Odyssey have gone on sale – before he’s even finished filming it and a year before the film is even out, in what is likely the longest pre-sale in cinematic history. The Odyssey, which stars Matt Damon as the cunning Odysseus as he fights his way home after the end of the Trojan war, will be released on 17 July 2026. But on Thursday, Imax released tickets to the first screenings at the 26 Imax cinemas around the world that have the staff and equipment required to project in 1570 format. Continue reading... from Film | The Guardian https://ift.tt/Bnfcmkv via IFTTT

Tillotama Shome starrer Baksho Bondi – Shadowbox to open the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2025

Following its world premiere at the 2025 Berlin Film Festival in the Perspective section, the Bengali film Baksho Bondi – Shadowbox, starring Tillotama Shome and produced by Shome and Jim Sarbh, will open the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2025 as the Opening Night Film, marking its Australian premiere. Co-directed by Tanushree Das and Saumyananda Sahi in their directorial debut, Baksho Bondi features Tillotama Shome as Maya, set against the backdrop of a dusty Kolkata suburb, weaving a powerful narrative of love, resilience, and the quiet strength of a working woman navigating her everyday life. The Opening Night screening is scheduled for August 14th in Melbourne, setting the tone for the festival’s celebration of bold, layered, and deeply human stories from India. Tillotama Shome, reflecting on the film’s journey, shared, “Baksho Bondi is incredibly close to my heart. Playing Maya was a lesson in listening to silences, in discovering strength in small acts, and in under...

EXCLUSIVE: UPI changed to OBI in Special Ops 2

It's common for Indian moviegoers to be subjected to cuts and modifications of scenes and dialogues courtesy the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Such kind of censoring also exists for the web series as evident by the latest release, Special Ops 2. The action thriller show is based on cyber terrorism with Tahir Raj Bhasin's character playing a villain. A source told Bollywood Hungama, “He plays a cyber criminal who wants to access the data of the UPI (United Payments Interface) users for malicious intent. A scene where he mentions the same was also included in the trailer of the show.” The source continued, “However, the word 'UPI' has been changed to 'OBI' in the show. The old trailer has also been removed and a new promo has been added. It mentions the new release date and also 'OBI'.” An industry insider added, “Since it's a sensitive topic, the makers must have got a directive not to mention UPI. This could also be the reason why th...

Taika Waititi to take on new Judge Dredd movie

Oscar-winning writer-director, known for Jojo Rabbit and Thor sequels, attached to new take on comic book character Oscar-winner Taika Waititi is set to take on a new Judge Dredd movie. According to the Hollywood Reporter , the writer-director will take the reins of the latest attempt to bring the comic book character to the screen with Drew Pearce set to take on the script. Continue reading... from Film | The Guardian https://ift.tt/frYkERh via IFTTT

Rosebud sled from Citizen Kane sells at auction for £11m

Item donated by a director who was given it during a studio clearout becomes second most valuable piece of movie memorabilia The iconic sled from Orson Welles’s 1941 classic Citizen Kane has sold for $14.75m (£11m) at auction. The item therefore becomes the second most valuable piece of movie memorabilia ever sold, following last December’s sale of a pair of ruby slippers from 1939’s The Wizard of Oz for $32.5m (£24.2m). Continue reading... from Film | The Guardian https://ift.tt/0r65DSh via IFTTT

Saiyaara vs Ye Re Ye Re Paisa 3: Yash Raj Films and Dharma Productions CLASH for the first time ever; limited shows of Mohit Suri-directorial in Gaiety-Galaxy raises eyebrows

Aditya Chopra’s Yash Raj Films (YRF) and Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions have been two of the most respected production houses of Indian Cinema and have always been each other’s support. Karan Johar started his career with Aditya Chopra; for a long time, YRF distributed films of Dharma and hence, their bond goes back a long way. Hence, both banners have never released their film on the same day. As a result, July 18, 2025, is a landmark date for films backed by these banners, which will be clashing in cinemas for the first time ever. Saiyaara, produced by Yash Raj Films, will be released on July 18. Meanwhile, the Marathi comic caper, Ye Re Ye Re Paisa 3, also arrives in theatres on the same day. The film is presented by Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla and Apoorva Mehta of Dharma Productions and is also distributing it worldwide. In fact, the Marathi film has given a tough fight to the Mohit Suri-directorial in some areas, though Saiyaara has an upper hand in terms of the advance booki...

Taran Adarsh and Suneel Darshan react on Ramayana being the most expensive Indian film at a budget of Rs. 4000 crores

In their bid to amplify and augment their product to the extreme, the makers of the new version of the Ramayana featuring Ranbir Kapoor, Yash, Sai Pallavi, and Sunny Deol have turned the product into the most expensive entertainment content of all times. Trade guru Taran Adarsh had this to say: “It’s a bit too early to comment on the final budget of Ramayana. Frankly, that’s a question best answered by the producer himself, especially when it comes to how he plans to recover the massive costs involved. That said, I genuinely believe Ramayana is an ambitious project, envisioned for a global audience. Based on a seven-minute clip I had the opportunity to watch, I must say I’m extremely impressed. The first part is currently in post-production, with its release slated for Diwali 2026. However, the release strategy remains under wraps. Whether it will open across the globe like a major Hollywood film remains to be seen. As I said – let’s wait and watch. We’ll know a lot...

Human Traffic review – one-crazy-night 90s clubbing comedy provides euphoric rush of nostalgia

This loved-up ensemble piece is cheerfully apolitical, pro-drugs and pro-hedonism – and features a very funny film debut from Danny Dyer A warm nostalgic glow surrounds this likably daft and zeitgeisty one-crazy-night clubbing adventure from 1999. It’s a Cool Britannia time-capsule written and directed by Justin Kerrigan, starring John Simm, Shaun Parkes, Lorraine Pilkington, Nicola Reynolds and a cherubic young Danny Dyer making his movie debut. Dyer’s character ends up down the pub moodily swearing off drugs for ever – and if we wondered how that was going to turn out, we can flashforward to his performance this year in Nick Love’s Marching Powder , in which he does much the same thing. Human Traffic revolves around a group of gurning mates: a classic 90s ensemble of mononymous characters – Jip, Koop, Lulu, Nina and Moff – individually introduced in freeze-frame voiceover in that distinctive 90s Britmovie style, as popularised by Danny Boyle’s Trainspotting and Guy Ritchie’s Lock, ...

SCOOP: No Eid release for Battle Of Galwan; Salman Khan-starrer to probably release in January or June 2026

After Sikandar (2025), Salman Khan is now geared up to bring his next film, Battle Of Galwan, to cinemas. The first look of the film has been appreciated as it showcased Salman Khan in a never-before-seen avatar. As the war film is all set to go on floors, the trade, industry, and fans are asking when Battle Of Galwan will be released. As is widely known, Salman’s films are typically released on Eid. Hence, can the superstar’s war drama be expected to arrive next year on the festival? A source told Bollywood Hungama, “The makers are not looking at releasing the film on Eid. This is because three films are already scheduled for release on March 19, 2026 – Yash-starer Toxic, the comic caper Dhamaal 4 and Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s intense romantic drama Love & War, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal. Love & War might not make it on Eid and even if we take this film out, two other movies have already taken the slot. Salman is fair in such matters and hence, doesn’t...

Four Letters of Love review

Helena Bonham Carter, Gabriel Byrne and Pierce Brosnan feature in sugary story of destiny and dreams, which brings together two troubled young people and a prize painting Niall Williams has adapted his own international bestseller for this slushy romantic drama set in the west of Ireland, about love and destiny and dreams never given up on. For me, it pushed the bounds of absurdity and melodrama one step too far, though it undoubtedly has an audience. Something here reminded me of the romdram hits of author Nicholas Sparks, and particularly Message in a Bottle – although to be fair it should be borne in mind that Williams published his novel a year before Sparks’ book came out. Two young lives unfold in parallel, fated to be brought together. Fionn O’Shea is Nicholas Coughlan, whose civil-servant dad William (Pierce Brosnan) has an epiphany at work one day when a lozenge of sunlight is blazoned on his drab desk and he abandons his job and heads west from Dublin to pursue his new voc...

Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani blessed with a baby girl: Reports

Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani have reportedly welcomed their first child, a baby girl, on Tuesday evening at HN Reliance (Reliance Foundation) Hospital in Girgaon. According to reports, both mother and newborn are doing well following a normal delivery. Although the couple has yet to officially announce the birth, family and close friends are said to be overjoyed. Several relatives, including Sidharth’s mother, Rimma Malhotra, and Kiara’s parents, Genevieve and Jagdeep Advani, were spotted arriving in Mumbai to greet the little one. The news holds special significance for fans who have watched the couple’s journey unfold from co‑stars in the 2021 hit Shershaah, where they played Captain Vikram Batra and Dimple Cheema, to romantically involved in real life, and finally tying the knot in February 2023 in a royal Rajasthan ceremony.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Bollywood Hungama???? (@realbollywoodhungama) Their pregnancy was publicly revealed in Fe...

David Kaff, Spinal Tap keyboardist and musician, dies aged 79

The British musician and actor, who played Viv Savage in Rob Reiner’s mockumentary, died in his sleep David Kaff, the British actor and musician known for playing keyboardist Viv Savage in Rob Reiner’s 1984 mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap , has died aged 79. His bandmates in Mutual of Alameda’s Wild Kingdom confirmed the news on their Facebook page, writing that the musician had “passed away peacefully in his sleep” on Friday. Continue reading... from Film | The Guardian https://ift.tt/E0A4YJu via IFTTT

Shweta Tripathi’s first film as producer titled Mujhe Jaan Na Kaho Meri Jaan, to star herself and Tillotama Shome

Earlier this year, actress Shweta Tripathi announced that she would be turning producer with a queer drama. News is now out that her maiden production is titled Mujhe Jaan Na Kaho Meri Jaan and it will star herself along with her friend and acclaimed actress Tillotama Shome, who will play a pivotal role in the movie. The film is a queer love story that aims to break stereotypes and spark meaningful conversations. It will be directed by Sanjoy Nag and is slated to go on floors by the end of 2025. Earlier this year, Shweta had shared that her debut production would be centred around a queer narrative, and now with Tillotama on board, the project takes on a new emotional depth and resonance. The duo will be seen working together for the first time in this unique film. This cinematic venture comes on the heels of the success of Shweta’s previous queer-themed production Cock, a play that has received widespread praise for its unflinching portrayal of identity and love. Encouraged by the o...

Ghosted review – dating-scene romcom is Bridget Jones tribute act

British film about the relationship travails of a 30-year-old would-be actor falls flat and feels dated It is a truth universally acknowledged that there was some drop-off in quality between the first incomparable Bridget Jones film and its sequels, but this cheap would-be spiritual successor will have you crawling after even the worst Bridget film begging for forgiveness. Ghosted hews close to the template, to the point of feeling like a tribute act – but unfortunately not the kind of tribute act that sells out arenas but the kind that plays down the Dog & Duck of a Saturday night. Mercy (Jade Asha) is unhappily single, on the hunt for Mr Right, and hoping to improve her career (ideally from waitress to international acting superstar). Part of the film’s problem is that Bridget Jones’ Diary is of its time, and to hear a 30-year-old supposedly modern and progressive heroine in 2025 complain that she is a decade older than the majority of singles definitely feels dated. Thirty in ...

EXCLUSIVE: Yash Raj Films’ release strategy for Saiyaara REVEALED – no show before 9:30 am, only 6 shows on release day, discounted ticket price for 9:30 am show to attract college students

Mohit Suri’s intense romantic drama Saiyaara, starring Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, will release this Friday, July 18, and trade expects it to have a surprise opening. The producers, Yash Raj Films (YRF), are also distributing the film and they informed all cinemas about the release strategy yesterday. An exhibition source told Bollywood Hungama, “YRF has asked all the cinemas that the shows of Saiyaara should start from 9:30 am onwards. This means that theatres can’t play shows very early in the morning. Secondly, theatres have been instructed that they can’t play more than 6 shows on July 18. This particular directive, however, is applicable only for the day of release. From Saturday, July 19, theatres can play as many shows as they wish to.” The source continued, “To attract the youth, YRF has come up with two special initiatives. One is widely known, that is, if one uses the code ‘SAIYAARA’ on BookMyShow, the patron can get a discount of 50%. This is valid on ...

The Ballad of Suzanne Césaire review – the legacy of a dissident and inspirational surrealist author

Brief film looks at the intense flowering of essays by the Caribbean feminist and anti-imperialist who saw surrealism as a revolutionary mode This brief work from New York film-maker Madeleine Hunt-Ehrlich is the equivalent of a platform performance in the theatre: a look at the works of Caribbean feminist, anti-imperialist and surrealist partisan Suzanne Césaire, played by Zita Hanrot; Hanrot, rather, plays an actress musingly preparing to play her. Césaire’s brief, intense flowering of work occurred in second world war Martinique, then a colony of France, controlled by the collaborationist Vichy government. Paradoxically liberated by this oppressive situation, Césaire co-founded a journal called Tropiques and published an influential series of essays on politics, literature and art, which showed how passionately inspired she was by her encounter with the great surrealist André Breton. Continue reading... from Film | The Guardian https://ift.tt/rx4iLoM via IFTTT

Prime Video unveils first look of The Revolutionaries, starring Bhuvan Bam, Rohit Saraf, Pratibha Ranta, Gurfateh Pirzada, and Jason Shah

On the occasion of Prime Day, July 14, Prime Video, India’s most loved entertainment destination, today unveiled the official first look for its upcoming period-drama, The Revolutionaries. Created for streaming and directed by Nikkhil Advani, the series, currently in production, boasts a power-packed cast led by Bhuvan Bam, Rohit Saraf, Pratibha Ranta, Gurfateh Pirzada, and Jason Shah, all under the banner of Emmay Entertainment, and produced by Monisha Advani and Madhu Bhojwani. The first-look asset offers a glimpse into the upcoming series adapted from Sanjeev Sanyal’s celebrated and widely acclaimed book, Revolutionaries: The Other Story Of How India Won Its Freedom. It tells the powerful story of brave young Indian freedom fighters who believed that armed resistance was not just vital but indispensable to ending the British Raj. The Revolutionaries is a stirring tribute to their extraordinary lives, sacrifices, and their unwavering, undying love for their country. Currently on flo...

Gold Songs review – story of love and longing in Mozambique’s desperately dangerous goldmines

Ico Costa’s film follows a young man who leaves his sweetheart in search of better fortune in the perilous mines in the north of the country Love heartbreakingly clashes with economic difficulties in Ico Costa’s third feature, shot on location in Mozambique and featuring non-professional actors. The film opens on a gentle moment between Domingos (Domingos Marengula) and Neusia (Neusia Emídio Guiamba), their figures wrapped in the velvety half-light of the early dawn. Lying in bed together, the young couple sleepily talk of mundane trivialities but their tender gaze seems to speak louder than words; locked in each other’s arms, the pair will soon spend the rest of the film apart. Unsatisfied with the meagre earnings he makes from washing cars, Domingos leaves his home town for the dangerous goldmines in the north of the country. When he enters this precarious trade, the camera trails behind his footsteps as he passes through rocky terrains and makeshift tents. It’s an interesting styl...

Manoj Bajpayee confirms The Family Man 3 will stream this October or November

The question every fan of the Family Man franchise is asking: when is The Family Man 3 streaming? Manoj Bajpayee has now confirmed that the much-awaited third season of the massively popular Amazon Prime series will begin streaming in the last week of October or the first week of November. “The shooting is complete,” Bajpayee shared. “When we started, we had no idea The Family Man would go this far. Is it the most popular work I’ve done? I would say, most definitely, yes. Although I’ve done some other excellent series on OTT, like Abhishek Chaubey’s Killer Soup, the reach of The Family Man has gone beyond anything I’ve experienced.” The actor is confident that Season 3 will match — if not exceed — expectations. “All I can say at this moment is that those who loved Seasons 1 and 2 won’t be disappointed. If the highlight of Season 2 was Samantha, then Season 3 belongs to Jaideep Ahlawat. What a fine actor! I love working with actors who are as dedicated to getting it right as I am.” A...

Veteran actor Kota Srinivasa Rao passes away at 83 in Hyderabad

Renowned Telugu actor and former MLA Kota Srinivasa Rao passed away on Sunday at the age of 83. He breathed his last at his residence in Hyderabad, leaving behind a legacy spanning over four decades in Indian cinema. Known for his impeccable performances across genres, Rao had acted in more than 750 films in Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, Kannada, and Malayalam. His versatility allowed him to portray a wide range of roles—from iconic villains to memorable character roles. Films like Pratighatana, Aha Naa Pellanta, Shiva, and Mahatma cemented his reputation as one of Telugu cinema’s finest actors. Born in Vijayawada, Kota Srinivasa Rao began his professional life as a banker and theatre artist before entering films in the late 1970s. Over the years, he became a beloved figure in the industry, earning accolades including the Padma Shri in 2015 for his contribution to the arts.5 Apart from acting, Rao was active in politics and served as an MLA from the Vijayawada East constituency from 1999 to...

Vijay Deverakonda is not replacing Vikrant Massey in Don 3

Vikrant Massey, who has just had a release in the form of Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan, is now preparing for the biggest challenge of his career: he will play the main antagonist opposite Ranveer Singh in Farhan Akhtar’s Don 3. Massey’s role, revealed a knowledgeable source, is that of a suave smooth-talking scamster. He will apparently change his look for the character, put on weight and train in special martial arts for his climactic combat with Ranveer Singh. But there have been recent reports about Massey being replaced by Vijay Deverakonda in the film. There is, however, no truth to these claims. While Farhan Akhtar is not yet ready to talk about Don 3, a source close to him revealed, “It’s been Ranveer and Vikrant from the start. Baseless rumours of Deverakonda replacing Massey are not going to tamper with the cast in any way.” Also Read: Farhan Akhtar to start shooting Don 3 with Ranveer Singh from January 2026 from Latest Bollywood News | Hindi Movie News |...

Superman interrupted twice; viewers slam certain theatres over ‘double intervals’

In India, watching a Hollywood film in cinemas means having an abrupt interval point. Some studios attempted to solve this issue by inserting an intermission point themselves so that cinemas don’t force it in the film as per their wishes. The same was done in Superman and yet, a case of ‘double interval’ emerged at many cinemas, inconveniencing cinemas. A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Superman is a 2-hour and 9-minute long film. Usually, the interval occurs when half of the film has been done. In the case of Superman, Warner Bros have added an interval after nearly 80 minutes. They had their reasons to do so. A lot is happening before that and it's going in one flow. Hence, they felt that incorporating an interval point at around an hour would hamper the impact of the nail-biting sequence. Hence, the interval comes once the crucial scene is over.” The source continued, “All theatres were also informed about it in advance. Yet, it came to light that several cinemas either didn’t...

Aamir Khan reveals, “I am singing two songs in my next comedy”

If there is one tireless explorer in Indian cinema, it is Aamir Khan. Way back in 1998, he was the first Khan superstar to sing in his voice in Vikram Bhatt’s Ghulam. Now 27 years later, Aamir is back singing on screen. This time his voice trained and ready to take on the singing vocation professionally. Said Aamir, “When I sang ‘Aati kya khandala’, I did it for a lark. I was lucky it worked. Now, I’ve been properly training to be a singer for some years now. It’s a for an untitled comedy. Let me tell you what kind of film it is. It is a Basu Chatterjee or Hrishikesh Mukherjee genre of film, which I feel that we have forgotten making. You know, we don't make that kind of cinema anymore. Sweet, innocent comedy. And, you know, the stakes of a film like this are never too high. No one's going to die or anything in the plot. It'd be a really warm, wonderful feeling you get when you watch the film.” Aamir plays a cameo in the sweet-natured comedy. But that is not what m...

SCOOP: Allu Arjun to play 4 distinct roles in Atlee’s next - grandfather, father, and two sons!

After the historic success of Pushpa 2, Allu Arjun is collaborating with Atlee on a never seen before epic film tentatively titled AA22 x A6. The film has got a solid ensemble cast on board with Allu Arjun, Deepika Padukone, Rashmika Mandanna, Janhvi Kapoor, and Mrunal Thakur. The film is the most discussed of Indian Cinema, as the filmmaker has promised a global film, with visuals like never before. And our news is going to make it all the more exciting for fans. While there is constant speculation about Allu Arjun's dual role in AA22 x A6, we have the most exclusive and inside scoop on the film. Reliable sources have confirmed to Bollywood Hungama that Allu Arjun has 4 different roles in A6. "Allu is playing the entire family tree in Atlee's next film. He will be seen as a grandfather, father, and two sons in the film, making it a quadruple role for Allu. This would mark the first multiple role film of his career," a source told Bollywood Hungama. We hear that Atl...

How being crushed by a 14,000lb snowplough made Jeremy Renner a nicer person: ‘I’ve never been more vulnerable, open and loving’

He was known as a tightly wound Hollywood tough guy, on and off screen – and then the star found himself fighting for his life. He talks about ‘bullying his body’ into recovery, and how the accident changed him Six ribs broken in 14 places. Three breaks in the lower pelvis. Right and left ankle broken. Left tibia broken. Left wrist fractured. Left toes, three breaks. Right clavicle broken. Right shoulder blade cracked. Eye socket, jaw, mandible, all broken. Major laceration back of head. Lung collapsed. Liver pierced from rib bone. The inventory of Jeremy Renner’s injuries, documented by the twice Oscar-nominated movie star himself, was exhaustive. It was a miracle that the actor had survived; he had no right to. Renner had been crushed by his own 14,000lb (6,350kg) snowplough on New Year’s Day 2023. A neighbour who helped him at the scene believes he died momentarily. So does Renner. He tells me it was a very special moment. “What I experienced when I passed...

EXCLUSIVE: Mahesh Manjrekar’s grand Diwali release Punha Shivajiraje Bhosale triggers IP Battle; Everest Entertainment warns of legal action

This Diwali, it's not just Thama and Kartik Aaryan-Sreeleela’s untitled film that will clash in cinemas. In Maharashtra and certain other centres of the country, Punha Shivajiraje Bhosale will also try its luck. It is the spiritual sequel to the much loved 2009 film, Mi Shivajiraje Bhosale Boltoy; hence, it has generated tremendous excitement, more so after its massy teaser dropped online a few days ago. However, the film got into a controversy after a public notice was published by Everest Entertainment, which produced Mi Shivajiraje Bhosale Boltoy. As per this notice published in Atul Mohan’s Complete Cinema magazine in the June 28 – July 5, 2025 issue, Everest Entertainment LLP, through their lawyers Bar & Brief Attorneys, informed the public and the film industry that Everest Entertainment is the co-producer and the sole, legal owner of all intellectual property rights related to Mi Shivajiraje Bhosale Boltoy. It also revealed that the ownership covers the world and lasts ...

EXCLUSIVE: Param Sundari teaser with Maalik CONFIRMS Sidharth Malhotra-Janhvi Kapoor starrer’s August release; Huma Qureshi’s Baby Do Die Do promo debuts in cinemas

In the first week of June 2025, Bollywood Hungama was the first one to report that Dinesh Vijan of Maddock Films is considering to push his upcoming romantic drama, Param Sundari, from July 25 to August 29. With July 25 approaching and no sign of the promotions of Param Sundari commencing, it became clear that the Sidharth Malhotra-Janhvi Kapoor film will not arrive in cinemas on its original release date. Yesterday, Maddock Films, in a unique manner, revealed that their film has indeed been pushed. Maalik, starring Rajkummar Rao, released in cinemas on July 11 and two teasers were attached with its prints. One was that of Param Sundari. The asset was the same as the one that came in May except for the release date. Instead of ‘This July’, ‘This August’ was mentioned in the new teaser. The original teaser ends with the text ‘In cinemas, July 25’. The revised teaser’s slate simply mentions ‘In cinemas worldwide this August’. This has raised questions about whether Param Sundari will b...

Alia Bhatt’s former assistant accused of leaking confidential production house data to foreign entity

The investigation into the financial fraud case involving Alia Bhatt’s former personal assistant, Archana Shetty, has taken a serious turn with fresh allegations surfacing. Sources within the Juhu Police have confirmed that Shetty allegedly leaked confidential information related to Bhatt’s production house, Eternal Sunshine Productions, to an unidentified individual based in the United States. According to officers familiar with the probe, the data leak is believed to have involved sensitive business documents, financial reports, and potentially unreleased project details. The motive behind the leak is currently being examined, with authorities suspecting it may be linked to financial gains or the exploitation of proprietary content. In parallel, Shetty is also accused of transferring large sums of money from Alia Bhatt’s personal and company-linked accounts into those belonging to multiple individuals. Among the recipients named in the preliminary investigation are Satvik Sahu, Sim...

SCREEN launches SCREEN academy to nurture India’s next generation of Filmmakers

The Indian Express Group and SCREEN on Wednesday announced the launch of SCREEN Academy, a not-for-profit initiative aimed at supporting and highlighting emerging talent in Indian cinema. With an exciting and fast-growing list of diverse members including Cannes and Oscar winners, Guneet Monga, Payal Kapadia and Resul Pookutty, and veteran screenwriter Anjum Rajabali, the Academy, working with India’s top film institutes, will identify and empower the next generation of filmmakers through education, representation, and recognition. Established with the generous support of Founding Patron Abhishek Lodha of the Lodha Foundation, SCREEN Academy will annually provide postgraduate fellowships to students nominated by their film schools, who demonstrate exceptional storytelling potential but lack the financial resources to pursue formal film education. Chief Minister of Maharashtra Shri Devendra Fadnavis said the timing and the lo...

‘I’d be proud to be thrown out of America!’ Eric Idle on Trump, life after Python and not talking before lunch

Ahead of his UK tour, the former Monty Python star responds to questions from Catherine Zeta-Jones, David Mamet, Janet Suzman, Steve Coogan, Bill Oddie and others When news broke in 2021 that Eric Idle had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, dismay was followed by relief when he survived to get the all-clear. Now 83, Idle is thriving and about to embark on his first UK tour since 1973. Over haddock and chips in London last month, a gentle and friendly Idle answered questions submitted by readers and fellow writers, actors and comedians about his time as a Python, Broadway smash Spamalot – his musical adaptation of Monty Python and the Holy Grail – as well as selfies, Peter Cook and why he feels sorry for the royals. Continue reading... from Film | The Guardian https://ift.tt/pUkoQI7 via IFTTT

EXCLUSIVE: Genelia Deshmukh features in a cameo in Masti 4

Almost a week ago, it came to light that Masti 4 has gone on floors, as evident by the pictures posted by the film’s makers. The unit of the naughty comedy at present is in Birmingham, United Kingdom and is shooting a dance number on a huge scale. If the leaked assets from the sets are to be believed, this track will be a highlight as it features a special appearance by none other than Genelia Deshmukh. Earlier in the day, the unit of Masti 4 was present at Victoria Square, Birmingham. The three leads of the film – Riteish Deshmukh, Vivek Oberoi and Aftab Shivdasani - were seen filming a song along with hundreds of extras. Since Victoria Square is a public place, a lot of onlookers were also present, and they recorded videos and took pictures. These images and videos made their way to social media. In some of these pictures, Genelia Deshmukh can be seen present on the sets. At first, it was thought that she was merely present to witness the shoot. Her presence was also no secret as s...

EXCLUSIVE: Fan power WINS; F1: The Movie to continue playing in IMAX despite Superman takeover

The Brad Pitt-starrer F1: The Movie is running very successfully at the box office, particularly in the IMAX version. The racing saga has emerged as a grand cinematic experience and the experience of watching it in IMAX is something else, resulting in healthy sales in the special format even on the weekdays. Fans of the film were disappointed as the movie was going to have just a 2-week showcasing in IMAX. But now, it has come to light that F1: The Movie has got an extended run. A source told Bollywood Hungama, “F1: The Movie released on June 27 while Superman releases tomorrow, July 11. Hence, it was known from the beginning that the former would be available for just two weeks in the IMAX screens. It was also known that F1: The Movie would be lapped up in the IMAX version. Yet, the response to the film in the 33 IMAX screens in India took everyone by surprise. The film refuses to slow down despite inflated tickets. Even morning shows on weekday...

Modi: Three Days on the Wing of Madness review – Johnny Depp’s Modigliani as bohemian badass

A lineup including Stephen Graham and Al Pacino seem wasted on this lavish, but hackneyed drama about the Italian artist Some very cliched roistering, life-affirming wine-drinking, bourgeois-defying artistic shenanigans here from the veteran screenwriting couple Jerzy and Mary Olson-Kromolowski who have adapted a 1980 stage play, Modigliani by Dennis McIntyre, about the Italian sculptor and painter Amedeo Modigliani, known as Modi. Johnny Depp directs and perhaps sees his subject as a bohemian badass not unlike Hunter S Thompson, whom he played in Terry Gilliam’s 1998 movie Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas – and perhaps not altogether unlike how he sees himself. It is 1916 in Paris and the brutality of war is destroying the belle époque; Riccardo Scamarcio plays Modigliani, a brilliant, sensual but penniless artist facing poverty and casual antisemitism. Having got into a chaotic affray at a pompous posh restaurant – filmed like a deleted scene from Richard Lester’s The Three Musketeer...